Vehicle wheel



Dec.21,1937. c, w SINCLMRF 2,162,811- y v VEHICLE WHEEL 1111511 11ay1s`, 1935 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR l CHARLES w.smo|.A|R

in T70 NEYs same time rendering it possible to vmaterially infil l .to improve generally vehicle wheels of the char- Patented Dec. 21, 1937 Y VEHICLE WHEEL Charles W. Sinclair, Detroit, Mich., signor to' Kelsey-Hayes Wheel Company, a corporation of Delaware Detroit, Mich.,

Application May 13, 1935, serial No. 21,241,`

.5 calms'. (ci. soi-cig This invention relates. generally to vehicle wheels, and refers more particularly to motor vehicle Wheels of the type equipped with brake drums'. v l

One of the principal objects of this invention is acter set'forth,lby providing a -construction offer- -ing the possibility ofappreciably reducing the weight of the wheel assembly without sacrificing the strength required for durability, and at the creasethe braking emciency ofthe brake mechanism associated with `thel brake `flange of `the drum forming a part of the vehicle wheel.

Another important object of this linvention which `contributes to securing'the foregoing `advantageous features'resides inthe provision of a vehicle wheel having a brake drum yforming a unit with a portion ofthe wheel body and having means for securing the. unit to a load carrying member of the wheel in such a manner that the stresses or reactions resulting from the application of axial loads onl the rim ofthe wheel are transmitted, through the securing means, lto the load carrying membeninstead of to the/brake drum, with the result `that the liability .of the brake drum becoming distorted during Aoperation of the wheel is materially minimized. f

`Another advantageous feature-of the present invention resides in theprovision of a vehicle wheel embodying an annular substantially channel-shaped member incorporated in the assembly with the flanges thereof extending Aoutwardly from the baseA in axial spaced relationship to form respectively a wheel body element and a brake drum element, and having the base permanently secured tothe load carrying memberbetween theiianges,` in such a manner that the axial stresses applied to the rim o'f the Awheel kare transmitted to the load carrying member through the wheel body element and securing means aforesaid.

A further object of this vinvention resides in the provision' of a vehicle Wheel ofthe type embodying a unitary brake drum and 'wheel body, wherein the-wheel body is flexible, to a certain extent, so as toprovide a limited relative axial displacement between the rim of the wheel and brake drum of the latter.

The foregoing, as well as other objects, will be made more Yapparent as this-description proceeds, especially when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 `isk a fragmentary front elevational view of a vehicle wheel constructed in accordance ,with this inventi n and' having certain parts broken away for the sake oi?` clearness;

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantiallygon the plane indicated by the line 2-2 ofFigure 1;l v ,t t

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on` the plane indicated by the line Figure 4 is a fragmentary `front elevational view of a slightly'modiiied form of` vehicle wheel having certain parts broken away for the sake of clearness; v i v Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially onthe plane indicated by the line 5 5 of Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary front elevational view i of stili another embodiment of this invention and having certain parts broken away for the sake of clearness;

Figure 7 is a' cross-sectional view takenv substantiallyon the plane indicated bythe line I-1 of Figure; and v i Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on the plane indicated yby the line 8-8 ofFigure'l.

,Referring now more in detail to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures lto 3 inclusive, itwill be noted that the reference character I designates a vehicle wheel having a hub ii provided with a radially outwardly `extending load carrying portion I2 and having a tire carrying rim I3 supported upon the load carrying portion, by means of a 4member I4. The load supporting portion I2 of the hub II comprises a plurality of spokes I havingv rearwardly extending flanges at opposite edges thereof and having axially" rearwardly extendingportions I1 at the4 outer ends thereofforming seats for the wheel body member4 Il. The ability of the spokes i5 to effectively support the wheel loads will be apparent upon consideration of Figure `2, wherein the flanges I6 are shown as having the inner ends integrally connected vwith the barrel portion of the hub, and as'having the outer ends co-extensive with the axiallyl extending seats I'I and integraliy connected thereto.

In the present instance, the member Il comprises two sections designated generally' in Figure 2, by the reference characters IB and I9. `r` The section I9 of the member I4 is substantially channel-shaped in cross-section and encirclesthe outer ends ofl the spokes I5 with the annular base portion 20 permanently secured in engaging relation to the seats. I1 by rivets II', and with` the flanges' extending outwardly from the base portion. Ihe rear flange 2| cooperates with the load supporting portion I2 to form the web of a brake drum 22 and the peripheral portion of the flange 2l is preferably, although not necessarily, cast integral with the brake flange 28 of the drum. 'I'he front flange 24 of the section I8 forms a wheel body element and is demountably secured to the section I8, which cooperates with the flange 24 in forming the wheel body. As shown in Figure 2, the flange 24 is apertured at circumferentially spaced points as* indicated by the reference character 25, and a bolt 28 is permanently secured in each of the apertures, in such a manner that the threaded shank portions thereof project forwardly beyondV the ange 24 through aligned openings 21 formed in the portion of the section I8 positioned lopposite the flange 24. As will also be observed from Figure 2, the apertured portion of the section I8 at the front side of the :flange 24 is spaced a sumcient distance axially from the flange to permit ten-- sioning the same bythe fastener nuts 28, and thereby prevent accidental disengagement of the nuts 28 from the bolts 28. In detail, the inner edge of the wheel body section I8 is provided with a rearwardly extending flange 28 engageable with the front sides of the spokes I8 la dja cent the outer ends of'the latter and having a length predetermined to provide spacing the apertured portion of the section I8 the desired distance from the flange 24 on the section I8. 'I'he periphery of the ange 24 on the section I8 cooperates with the flange 28 on the section' I8 to secure the space previously referred to and,

in the present instance, the peripheral portion of the flange 24l is fashioned to form an annular bead substantially semi-circular in cross-section. By reference to Figure 2, it will be noted that the bead is spaced axially forwardly from the apertured portion of the flange 24 and forms a seat for a correspondingly shaped portion 8i on the section I8. Thus, it will be apparent that when the nuts 28 are tightened upon the bolts v28, the portions of 'the section I8 between the bead and ange 28 are flexed rearwardly, or in other words, are tensioned to such an extent that the nuts are locked against accidental4 rotation relative to the bolts.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, the portion of the front section I8 of the wheel body radially outwardly beyond the fastener elements, is curved rearwardly and is preferably, although not necessarily. fashioned to form V-shaped spokes 82. The outer ends of the spokes are provided with circumferentially spaced axially extending seats 88 for engaging the inner surface of the base portion of the rim and are permanently secured to the base portionfby rivets 84.

It is to be understood that the member I4 is formed from sheet metal and that the contour of the section is is determined to provide a" limited degree of exibility of the section I8 in response toraxial loads applied to the rim I8. The flexibility of the section I8, together with the fact that the member is secured to the spokes I5 intermediate the brake drum and wheel body stresses resulting from axial loads lapplied to the rim. In any event, the axial loads applied to the tire carrying rim I8 are prevented from distorting the brake drum 22, because any reaction resulting from such loads is transmitted through the rivets I 'I' to the load carrying portion or spokes I5, winch are predeterminedly designed to eectively take this reaction.

It will, of course, be understood from the foregoing description that the tire carrying rim is demountably secured to the hub through the medium of the fastener elements comprising the bolts 28 and the nuts 28. In the present i'nstance, the fastener elements, as well as the hub II, are concealed by a cover plate 84 having the peripheral portions thereof fashioned to engage the section I8 of the wheel body radially outwardly beyond the nuts 28 of the fastener-elements. As shown in Figure 3, the periphery of the cover84 is secured to the wheel body sectionv I8 of the member I4, by means of clips 88 con- .cealed by the cover and having portions riveted .or otherwise suitably secured to the front' side of the section I8 between the fastener elements. The outer ends of the clips are provided with forwardly extending spring fingers 88 fashioned to cooperate with portions 81 on the periphery 1 ures 1 to Zi` inclusivefthe member I4* is of onepiece construction having-.an annular axially extending intermediate portion 48 permanently 'secured to the axially extending seats I1*A upon the extremities of the 'spokes and having portions projecting outwardly from the extremities thereof. The rear outwardly extending portion of the member is designated in Figure 5 by the reference character 4I and cooperates with the load supporting-portion I2' Ito form the web of a brake drum 42 differing from the brake drumA 22, in that the brake ange 43 is formed integralgwith the outwardly extending portion 4I of the member and is provided Vwith a lining 44 cast in the brake ange 48.

The front outwardly extending portion of the member constitutes a wheel body element and is designated in Figure 5 by the reference character 45, and is demountably secured to the tire carrying rim I8", by means of the fastener elements 48. As shown in Figure 5, the wheel body element 45 is bowed axially outwardly adjacent the intermediate portion 48 to provide an annular substantially semi-circular bead 41 terminating at the outer end in a radially outwardly extending portion 48 apertured as at 48 to receive'thebolts 58 of the fastener elements 45. 'Ihe bolts 50 are permanently secured to the radial portion 48 and the through lugs 5I extending' inwardly from the base of the tire carrying rim I8* and engageable with' the front sides of the radial portions 48. 'I'hel lugs 8i are concealed from view by an annularfinishing ring 82 apertured opposite the shank portions of the bolts 58 and secured in place by means of the nuts 58 threaded upon the shank portions of the bolts. It will, of course, be apparent that the clamping nuts 58 function to perform the additional function of demountably securing the rim to the member I4.

the invention shown in Figures 4k and 5 previously lc iescribed,it will be notedthat the annular bead ,41 renders the wheel body portion 45 fiexibleyto a certain; extent,l sov as tol permit the desired v limited axial displacement ofthe rim I3* relative to thehub upon the applicationzof axial loads to "the former.. It will also be noted Vthat inasmuch as the member I4al is permanently secured to the vhub II, in thesame manner as the member I4 is secured to thelhub IIj in'the iirst described 4formof the invention, it necessarily followsthat vstresses resulting from axiall loads on the rim are transmitted to the hub II', insteadof to the brakedrumlii.l .l .Y ,n

In order to enhance the general appearance of the, wheel and to render it unnecessary 'to finish the hub II?, Iprovide means for concealing kthe hub II' inthe form of a cover having an inwardly' 20 directed peripheral portion 56 engaging, the fro'nt side of the annular beady 41 andcooperatingwith flexible iingers 51 to Vprovide for snapping the cover in placefupon the wheel; In the present instance, thefingers 51 are interposed between the ,extremities of the `spokes I5u and the axial4 portion 40 ofthemember Il, so as to permit securing the 'same in place by the same rivets 'employed in permanently securing the member to the'hub." 1 y Referring now to the embodiment .of the inven- -tion illustrated in Figures 6 to 8 inclusive, it will be noted that the member IIb comprises a brake drum element Iipermanently secured 'to the spokes I5h of the hub IIb and a wheel body ele ment composed of a plurality oi' spokes 6I having the outer extremities thereof permanently 'secured to the base of the rim member I 3b. The number of spokes '6I preferably corresponds to the number of spokes I5b on the hub Il", and the Spokes 6I are secured to the, rim,l in such a manner as to register with the spokes I5b when the wheel is assembled.

In detail, the element 60 of the member I4b comprises aradialportion 62 engaging thex front sides of the spokes I5b and having a forwardly extending annular flange l63' at the inner edge thereof adapted to seat upon the axially extending shoulders 6l formed on the spokes I5". The

upper extremity of the radial portion 62 is pro-V vided with a rearwardly projecting-annular portion 65 having the'brake drum portion 66 formed integral therewith. As shown in Figure 7,' the brake drum portion 66 comprises an annular brake flange '61 of the required diameterl and having a .liner 68 secured to the inner annular surface thereof.

As pointed outlabove, the `section 60 is permanently secured to the spokes, `and this is accomplished by means ofthe fastener elements 69 comprising bolts 'I0 having shank .portionsfextending axially through suitable openings formed -in the spokes I5" adjacent theextremities thereof, and Ahaving spaced enlargements thereon operable to permanently secure the section 60 of themember Il to the spokes I5".

` The spokes 6Il of the wheel body element are provided with radial portions 'II positioned-at the front side of the radial section 60 and terminating at the innerv edges thereof in forwardly extending-flanges I2 adapted to seat upon the annular portion 63 of the section 80. Upon referring to Figure `"l, it will be noted that the radial portions II of the spokes- SI are apertured to provide for extending the threaded forward ends of the bolts 10 thereportions 62 of theI through, and fthe spokes ared'emou'ntably see cured in place, by means of suitable nuts 13 threaded upon the'.forwardfrextremities of the bolts.` As' iskcustomary, -themetal'surrounding the openings through the radial portions of the spokes y6I jis flared forwardly a suiiicient distance to permit tensioning vvthismetal by the. nuts'fll and therebyprovide'l for locking they latter from .accidentaly disens'asementf.'

v-A1i1m uuf;thefesteja: @fue wheel-navales mentv are provided withf,forwardly-extending flanges 15. at ,the opposite side' edges lthereof .for

A-reinforcing purposes, nevertheless, the spokes will iiex a limitedamount upon the application of axial loads on'the -rim I3j.so as'to ypermit a slight displacement 'of therim/relative to the brakeV drum.v .It will also apparent that the'. stresses resulting from axialy loads appliedfto the .rim lavare transferred directly to 'the hub. nll through-thewfastener devices G9, and this is ydesirable in that vit lminimizes distortion of the brake drum by Vthe wheel loads. n y

In Athe modication illustrated inFlgures 6` to Ill inclusive, theentire-wheel body, as well as the hub I I, .is concealed by'. meansof al cover 16' havingv a peripheral portionvI8 clampedagainst the front side of the rim I'Sb, by means-'of the springy fingers `'I9 secured 'to the rim by the samev means for permanently 'securing` the spokes 6I -of the wheel'body element to the vrim. It, will, of course, be understood from :Figurer 7j: that while the spring ngers`19 operate toeiiectivlely secure the periphery of the' cover 16 `tothe rim, nevertheless, the-construction thereof 'is fsuch "as .to "provide for readily snappingthercover plate in assembled relation with the wheel.

Althoughy several different types of construcf tions have been selected forl the purpose of illustr'ating this invention, 'it will be noted, that in each embodiment,t he,means connecting the rim member to the lo'ad supporting member or hub is sufficiently flexible to provide 'a limited axial. displacement of the rimfrelatlve to the brake. drum upon they-application of axial :loads to the rim. It will also be apparent that, although', in each construction shown hereimthe brakedrum and .wheel body aresecured together, nevertheless, the brake drum is relieved/from the stresses lresulting from, wheel loads, since thes'e stresses are transferred directly to the load carrying understood that. various. constructions, other provided to secure the. f'oregoin g advantageous results and, therefore. reservation -is made to make such changes in the severalembodiments of the invention illustrated, as may come'within the purviewvof the accompanying claims. What I claim as my invention is: A e

' 1. In a wheel, a rigid non-flexing load supmember of the hub. vrn ad-dammit is to. be

1 than thosespeciflcally illustrated herein, may be shoulder, a brake'fiange extending axially from the leg portionv ofthe U-shaped member at-the,` inboardside of .the wheel, a wheel body element at the outboard side of the first named leg ofthe U-shaped member having a portion seated upon the radial outer end of the latter leg kportion and having another portion engaging the outboard side of the load supporting member adjacent the shoulder aforesaid, and means demountably securing the wheel body element to said first named leg between the portions aforesaid oi' the wheel body element. v

2. In a wheel, a rigid load supporting member, a member having an annularportion encircling the load supporting member and secured to the `latter, said member also having -axially spaced radially outwardly projecting ilanges, a brake flange carried by the inboard flange vof said member, a wheel body member having a portion extending outwardlyl beyond the outboard flange and having another portion extending inwardly at the outboard side of the latter flange, means securing the inwardly extending portion of the wheel body memberto the outboard flange, and a tire carrying rim mounted on the outwardly extending portion of said wheel body member.

3. In a wheel, a rigid load supporting member, a member having an annular portion encircling the load supporting member and secured to the latter, said member having radially outwardly extending axially spaced flanges positioned respectively on opposite s ides of the securing means for the'annular portion, a brake flange carried by the inboard flange of said member, a wheel body member. having a portion seated on the periphery of the outboard ilange and having a portion extending inwardly from the portion aforesaid over the outboard side of the outboard il'ange, means for securingr the inwardly extending portion of the wheel body member tothe outboard flange, and a tire carrying rim mounted on a portion oi.' the wheel body member extending outwardly from the periphery of the outboard ange.

4. In a'wheel, a rigid load supporting member, a member having an annular portion encircling the load supporting member and secured thereto, said member having radially outwardly extending axially spaced anges positioned respectively on opposite sides of the securing means for said member, a brake flange carried by the inboard flange of the member, a wheel body element having'a portion extending inwardly at the outboard side of the outboard flange and engageable with ,the load Supporting member at the radially inner side of the'annular` portion of the second named member, and means for securing the inwardly extending portion of the wheel body member to the outboard ange of the second named member.

5. In a wheel, a rigid load supporting member, a member having an annular portion-encircling the load supporting member and projecting axially beyond the latter member at the outboard side of the samevto provide a shoulder, means securing the annular portion to the load supporting member, said member having radially outwardly extending axially spaced anges positioned on opposite sides of the securing means, a brake flange carried by the inboard ange of the member, a wheel body element having a portion extending inwardly at the outboard side of the outboard ange and having an axial portion engageable with the load supporting member at the inner side of said shoulder, and means securing the inwardly extending portion of the wheel body member to the outboard flange.

CHARLES W, SINCLAIR. 

